In-Office Polypectomy

In-office polypectomy is a popular procedure used to deal with cervical polyps. It is performed by an OB/GYN to help women get rid of these non-cancerous growths. At North Carolina OB/GYN and Midwifery at Holly Springs UNC Health Care, we provide safe in-office polypectomies to Raleigh patients. This procedure aims to improve women’s quality of life and overall health through surgical removal of benign growths and alleviating the associated symptoms.  

What Is an In-Office Polypectomy?

Cervical polyps are benign growths that occur in the surface area of the cervical canal. They vary in size, shape, and origin. Some can occur individually, while others are multiple. They can be tear-shaped or lobular, and their color may be cherry-red or grayish-white. Polyps are common among women ages 20 and older. An in-office polypectomy is the most effective procedure for removing polyps. Also known as cervical polypectomy, in-office polypectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes polyps from the cervix. It is a safe and quick procedure.  

Ideal Candidates

Women with cervical polyps are candidates for in-office polypectomy treatment. Candidates should be in good overall health with no post-procedure healing issues. Pregnant women are not ideal candidates for cervical polypectomy. The size and location of the polyp can influence whether a polypectomy is recommended. Larger polyps or those located in a way that makes removal feasible are more likely to be removed.  

Your Consultation

Your consultation will involve a physical examination to assess the extent of your cervical polyps. It will also involve an evaluation of your medical history, along with questions regarding any family history of cancer. Additional tests may be required. A personalized treatment plan will be created based on our findings. We will address all of your questions and discuss the details of the plan with you, including preparation, the procedure itself, recovery, and cost.

The In-Office Polypectomy Procedure

An in-office polypectomy is a quick procedure. A speculum will be used to expose the cervix, similarly to a pap smear exam. In-office polypectomy procedures often involve the use of local anesthesia to numb the area around the polyp. This helps minimize discomfort or pain during the procedure. The procedure technique used will depend on the nature of the polyps, along with their locations. Some common methods include snare polypectomy (used for colon polyps), electrocautery, and excision using specialized instruments. The goal is to completely remove the polyp while minimizing any damage to surrounding healthy tissue. For polyps with a stalk, it is an easier procedure. Forceps will be used to grab and twist the polyp from its base and then remove it from the cervix. For polyps with a broader base or no stalk, the procedure will start by administering local anesthesia. A heated wire loop will then be used to burn and remove the polyps from the cervix. The removed polyps may be subjected to further examination to test for cancer cells.  

The Recovery Process

The patient can go home right after treatment. Recovery instructions will be provided, including potential side-effects and a list of prohibited activities. The patient may experience watery discharge, light bleeding, minor pain, and cramps during the first few days. The patient will need to avoid using tampons or engaging in sexual activities for two to four weeks or until bleeding or discharge no longer occurs. A soft or bland diet may be recommended for a short time after the procedure to minimize irritation at the site of removal. Avoiding spicy, hard, or rough foods might be advisable. Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise might be discouraged for a certain period to allow the site to heal properly. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be recommended to manage any discomfort.  

The Cost of an In-Office Polypectomy

The price of an in-office polypectomy will depend on the procedure plan. The type and number of polyps and the techniques used can impact the total cost of the procedure. We recommend that patients contact their healthcare provider to determine insurance coverage for this procedure.  

Contact Us to Learn More

For patients who want to address polyps, we recommend an in-office polypectomy in Raleigh at North Carolina OB/GYN and Midwifery at Holly Springs UNC Health Care. Contact us today to set up your consultation.